Select full colored and plumb berries, avoiding stained baskets
(sign of overripe or softened and decayed berries). Season is May to
July. DO NOT wash until ready to use as water causes mold to form.
Rinse berries and place in a mixing bowl, lightly crushing to release
flavor. Add vodka, vanilla bean, and allspice. Stir and store in
bottle in cool dark place for 3 weeks. Strain mixture through
dampened cheesecloth squeezing as much juice as possible. Pour back into
bottle adding sugar syrup to taste (1/3 to 1/2 cup per pint) and age
another 3-5 weeks.
Yield: 1 pint plus